- Las Positas College
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- Courses - Mass Communications
Mass Communications
The Mass Communications program provides students with a broad understanding of the principles, roles, techniques, and effects of media in society. Students use these principles to produce media for student media outlets, including the newspaper, the radio station, the journalistic magazine, the literary magazine, and related multimedia forums. Students who earn a degree or certificate in Mass Communications may enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year school. The program includes two degrees and two certificates, allowing students to select the career or transfer pathway best suited to their educational goals.
Degrees:
Certificates of Achievement:
Career Opportunities
The Mass Communications degree program provides specific hands-on training that will prepare students for immediate job entry, especially involving broadcast technology. Mass Communications majors often successfully pursue careers in media, such as reporting, public relations, print production, copy editing, broadcasting, videography, and photography.
Mass Communication Courses
MSCM 1 - Introduction to Reporting and Newswriting
3 units
An introduction to gathering, synthesizing/ organizing, and writing news in journalistic style across multiple platforms. Includes role of the journalist, analysis of exemplary journalistic models, and related legal and ethical issues. Students will report and write based on their original interviews and research to produce news content. Experiences may include covering speeches, meetings, and other events, writing under deadline and use of AP Style. Strongly Recommended: Eligibility for ENG 1A. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU; C-ID# JOUR 110.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
MSCM 2 - Journalism: Investigative News
3 units
News and feature writing, emphasizing investigative reporting, research techniques, and story presentation. Strongly Recommended: ENG 1A. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: GR
MSCM 5 - Introduction to Mass Communications
3 units
Survey of mass communication and the interrelationships of media with society, including history, structure, and trends in a digital age. Discussion of theories and effects, economics, technology, law and ethics, global media, media literacy, and social issues, including gender and cultural diversity. Strongly Recommended: Eligibility for ENG 1A. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: D7; IGETC: 4G; C-ID# JOUR 100. * MSCM 5 and 31 combined: maximum UC credit, one course.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
MSCM 7 - Introduction to Public Relations
3 units
Introduction to the principles, history, development, and professional practice of modern public relations. Includes concepts of planning and executing effective communication strategies, including message design and distribution, for any organization. Strongly Recommended: Eligibility for ENG 1A. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU; C-ID# JOUR 150.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
MSCM 16A - Express College Newspaper A
3 units
An applied course in which students practice and refine beginning journalism skills, including recognizing, acquiring, producing, and distributing content for the print and online editions of the student newspaper, the Express. The focus of study is on basic news, feature, and opinion stories. Students are introduced to concepts related to photojournalism, business management, graphic arts, design, social media, and leadership and editing skills. The course includes ethical, practical, and legal issues in journalism. Strongly Recommended: Eligibility for ENG 1A/1AEX. 18 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU; C-ID# JOUR 130.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
MSCM 16B - Express College Newspaper B
3 units
An applied course in which students practice and refine intermediate journalism skills, including recognizing, acquiring, producing, and distributing content for the print and online editions of the student newspaper, the Express. Focus is on in-depth news, feature and opinion stories. Students develop intermediate abilities in photojournalism, business management, graphic arts, design, social media, and leadership and editing skills. The course includes ethical, practical, and legal issues in journalism. Prerequisite: MSCM 16A with a minimum grade of C. Strongly Recommended: Eligibility for ENG 1A/ENG 1AEX. 18 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU; C-ID# JOUR 131.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
MSCM 16C - Express College Newspaper C
3 units
An applied course in which students practice and refine advanced journalism skills, including recognizing, acquiring, producing, and distributing content for the print and online editions of the student newspaper, the Express. Focus is on leadership, editing the work of others, improving writing and multimedia skills, and improving the Express. Enhanced leadership role includes outreach to the community and representation as journalist and leader at events. Students develop advanced abilities in writing, photojournalism, business management, graphic arts, design, social media, and leadership and editing skills. Students will produce newscasts, an infographics, and reader surveys. The course includes ethical, practical, and legal issues in journalism. Students should serve in a leadership role. Prerequisite: MSCM 16B with a minimum grade of C. 18 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
MSCM 16D - Express College Newspaper D
3 units
An applied capstone course in which students practice and refine advanced journalism skills, including recognizing, acquiring, producing, and distributing content for the print and online editions of the student newspaper, the Express. Focus is on completing a portfolio project, exploring career opportunities in the field, leading others, editing the work of others, improving writing and multimedia skills, and improving the Express. Students work to develop advanced abilities in writing, photojournalism, business management, graphic arts, design, social media, leadership, and editing skills. The course includes ethical, practical, and legal issues in journalism. Student assumes a leadership role and create workshops to benefit other staff members. Prerequisite: MSCM 16C with a minimum grade of C. 18 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
MSCM 17 - Express Editorial Board
1 unit
The roles and responsibilities of leaders on the college newspaper, the Express. Practical experience participating in editorial board meetings, setting policy for the newspaper, and leading in the decision-making process for issue planning, budgeting, and the development of the newspaper. Enrollment is limited to student leaders on the Express. Strongly Recommended: Eligibility for ENG 1A. 18 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
MSCM 19A - Journal of Arts, Literature and Academic Writing A
3 units
Creation of a literary-style student magazine. Practical training in the managing, editing, formatting, and printing of a literary magazine. Enrollment constitutes the staff of the magazine. Cross listed with ENG 19A. A student who has successfully completed ENG 19A cannot enroll in MSCM 19A. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
MSCM 19B - Journal of Arts, Literature and Academic Writing B
3 units
Creation of a literary-style student magazine. Practical intermediate level training in the managing, editing, formatting, and printing of a literary supplement and/or magazine with a focus on the production process, including copy editing, design, layout, proofreading, working with the printer, and digital and print distribution. Enrollment constitutes the staff of the magazine. A student who has completed ENG 19B cannot enroll in MSCM 19B. Prerequisite: MSCM 19A with a minimum grade of C or ENG 19A with a minimum grade of C. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
MSCM 29 - Independent Study, Mass Communications
0.5 - 2 units
For course information, see "Independent Studies". 27-108 hours laboratory.
MSCM 31 - Introduction to Media
3 units
A survey of radio, television, film, and multimedia and their impact on culture and society; includes economics, technological development, programming, ratings, legal aspects, and social control of broadcasting in America, and cross-cultural, international comparisons. Strongly Recommended: Eligibility for ENG 1A. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: D7; IGETC: 4G. * MSCM 5 and 31 combined, max UC credit, one course.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
MSCM 32A - Introduction to Radio Production
3 units
History, law, ethics, theory, and practical use of radio technology. Operations procedures and practices in a modern radio broadcast studio. Extended study of various aspects of radio production, including editing and announcing, producing studio-recordings, producing a news or feature interview story, producing pre-recorded newscasts, supporting station operations, preparing content for radio programming, publishing content online, selling ads, establishing a brand identity, producing news, collaborating with other media, creating and maintaining audio and video streams, podcasts, and direct feed, creating content for a multimedia website, and producing ad spots and promotional posts.18 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
MSCM 32B - Intermediate Radio Production
3 units
Intermediate-level procedures and practices in a modern radio broadcast studio. Extended study of various aspects of intermediate level radio production, including editing and announcing, producing a live newsmagazine interview program, producing pre-recorded newscasts, managing station operations, preparing commercial radio programming, selling ads, establishing a brand identity, producing news, collaborating with other media, creating and maintaining audio and video streams, podcasts, and direct feed, creating a multimedia news website, and producing ad spots and promotional posts. Prerequisite: MSCM 32A with a minimum grade of C. 18 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
MSCM 32C - Advanced Radio Production
3 units
Advanced-level procedures and practices in a modern radio broadcast studio with an emphasis on public relations, social media, and the use of video in radio production. Additional study of various aspects of advanced-level radio production, including leading new radio students, editing and announcing, producing a live newsmagazine interview program, producing pre-recorded newscasts, managing station operations, preparing commercial radio programming, selling ads, establishing a brand identity, producing news, collaborating with other media, creating and maintaining audio streams, podcasts, and direct feed, creating video to enhance a multimedia news website, and producing ad spots and promotional posts. Provide leadership in creating at least one campus-wide event involving Radio Las Positas. Prerequisite: MSCM 32B with a minimum grade of C. 18 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
MSCM 33A - Introduction to Television Studio Operations
3 units
Introduction to the theory, terminology, and operations within a television studio and control room. This introduction includes television directing, the operation of television audio equipment, TV cameras, and television switcher, fundamentals of TV lighting, graphics, video control, and video tape recording for TV and documentaries. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
MSCM 33B - Intermediate Television Studio Operations
3 units
Further experience in television studio operations, control room procedures, and basic program production. Designed to improve skills in operating television equipment and producing and directing TV programs. Emphasis is placed upon theory and practice in television production, including planning, writing, producing staging, and directing interviews, commercials, public service announcements, dramatic pieces, multimedia, and other program segments. Prerequisite: MSCM 33A with a minimum grade of C. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
MSCM 34A - Naked Magazine: College Magazine A
3 units
Creation of a journalistic-style student magazine. Emphasis is placed on developing content, writing in-depth magazine articles, producing photographs and other visual elements, correlating copy and visuals, laying out pages in the production process, copy editing, promoting advertising, managing the business-side of the magazine, and exploring ethical issues. Strongly Recommended: Eligibility for ENG 1A. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
MSCM 34B - Naked Magazine: College Magazine B
3 units
Leadership in the creation and promotion of a journalistic-style student magazine, including development of skills in areas of social media and multimedia. Emphasis is placed on practicing and refining intermediate-level journalism skills while developing content, writing in-depth magazine articles, producing photographs and other visual elements, correlating copy and visuals, laying out pages in the production process, copy editing, promoting advertising, managing the business-side of the magazine, and exploring ethical issues. Prerequisite: MSCM 34A with a minimum grade of C. Strongly Recommended: Eligibility for ENG 1A. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
MSCM 35 - Multimedia Reporting
3 units
This course will provide an introduction to multimedia storytelling with a journalism emphasis. Techniques that will be explored include use of video, photos, audio, animation, and text to convey interactive news and feature stories through the Internet and other electronic media. It also will include techniques in digital research, critical thinking, and synthesis. It will introduce the legal and ethical issues in the recording of sources. Emphasis is placed upon the methods and techniques of multimedia reporting, including scripting, storyboarding, camera use, lighting, sound, and editing with video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro. 18 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC*; C-ID# JOUR 120. * MSCM 35, MSCM 72, and PHTO 72 combined: maximum UC credit, one course.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
MSCM 72 - Introduction to Photojournalism
3 units
This course deals with the photographer as a journalist, focusing on theory and practice in press and publications photography, with emphasis on using the camera as a reporting and communications tool. Covered are news and feature photography and photographic essays, including composition, impact, and creativity, for newspapers, magazines, the Internet, and other mass communications media. Understanding and applying photojournalistic and basic technical and visual skills in the making of successful reportage photographs. Consideration of the work of major 20th and 21st century photojournalists. Course is cross listed with PHTO 72. Student will receive credit for taking either MSCM 72 or PHTO 72. Strongly Recommended: PHTO 50 and/or PHTO 56 and/or GDDM 53. 27 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC*; C-ID# JOUR 160. * MSCM 35, MSCM 72, PHTO 72 combined: maximum UC credit, one course.
- Course Material Fees May Apply
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
Independent Study
0.5 - 2 units
Independent Study courses are open to all students and employ many combinations of media and educational techniques to create individualized, self-pacing education. Check with the Counseling Center, Building 1600, concerning transferability of Independent Study courses to four-year institutions. Independent Study is contracted through an instructor for research, field experience, or skill development. Independent Study is offered under many subject areas contained in the Catalog using the number 29. Transfer: CSU; UC credit may be granted only after review of course outline by specific UC campus after transfer. Independent Study courses have a grading option of "OP" unless otherwise indicated.
- Degree Applicable, Credit